Best Flip & Pocket Knives reviewed by Everyday Carry

Flip & Pocket Knives

If you've seen photos of what people carry every day, you might be wondering, “why do so many people carry a pocket knife?” The answer is different for everyone, but it all comes back to the idea that a handy pocket knife is an indispensable tool.

People use their EDC knife everywhere, whether they're at work (say, opening a package) or at home (making a quick repair around the house). Having a knife can also potentially save your life in an emergency (cutting a seatbelt) or in a survival situation if you spend time outdoors.

That said, knives may be restricted depending on where you live and what your local laws are, so be aware of those before deciding what kind of pocket knife you can carry.

The Best Pocket Knife for Everyday Carry

When picking the best pocket knife for your everyday carry, you should consider a bunch of factors: how big the knife is, how it opens, how it locks (or doesn't), how you'll carry it, how durable it needs to be, and so on.

Remember, you'll want a knife that's comfortable (both in your hand and in your pocket), built to last, safe to use, and legal to carry.

Different Types of Pocket Knives for Everyday Carry

Because different people have different requirements their knife needs to meet, you'll find tons of different kinds of pocket knives. They serve different purposes, have different designs and styles, and come at a range of different price points.

Some are classic and recognizable, like the all-in-one Swiss knives with multiple tools built in, or the traditional old timer knives your grandpa used to carry with wood or bone handles. Tactical knives and fast-opening flipper or flip knives are more popular these days for their advanced features and attractive designs.

Scroll down to discover some of the best and most noteworthy pocket knives on the site.

For a knife to be “minimalist,” it doesn't always have to mean it sports an understated design that's stripped of features. Minimalism can go beyond looks, instead focusing on letting you do more while carrying less. The James Brand Ellis has a unique balance of uncluttered design and all-round versatility that's worthy of your minimalist EDC. With a competent blade for cutting tasks and an integrated multi-tool for almost everything else, it'll cover your bases, look good doing it, and free up some pocket space to boot.

The business end of the Ellis features a stout 2.6” modified drop-point blade that maximizes the cutting potential of the blade while keeping it compact. The blade is made out of a highly corrosion-resistant Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel that sharpens up to a nice edge. And because the blade has a mixture of straight edge and serrated surfaces, it's a good all-around cutting tool for your everyday carry. Opening the blade is a classic two-handed affair, made easier with the nail nick in the blade. A sturdy lockback mechanism holds the blade in place during use.

When you're done with the knife, fold it into the anodized aluminum handle, and it's there where the design of the Ellis truly shines. Like the gentleman's knives of old, the Ellis has a second tool built into the design, which opens just like the knife. But instead of another blade, the Ellis gives you a screwdriver and bottle opener. And because of the smart design of the Ellis, you get a full-sized handle that you can use to leverage these tools to the best of your ability. It doesn't stop there: at the pommel of the knife is a combination scraper and pry bar, handy for those who would otherwise use their knife for that task despite every warning not to do so.

For easy of carry, the back of the Ellis comes with a bail for attachment to a lanyard. If you prefer to carry it in your pockets, the 2.8 ounce weight makes it a no-fuss accompaniment to your curated carry. And with its good looks and intelligent features, you can use the Ellis to pare down to the essentials, making your life easier by shedding redundancies. The Ellis is available now, in three different colorways including black, silver, and a stand-out electric moss green. Check it out at the link below.

Sometimes you can take one look at a knife and know it can do some serious work. We're talking about the kind of knife that looks like it can do more than cut open the occasional package in the mail (or for some of us, much more than occasional…). Something with enough heft to get big jobs done, but still entirely pocketable to be your daily driver. The new Kershaw Seguin is one of those knives. This Les George collaboration sports a beefy design with a versatile blade to boot, featuring the kind of ergonomics that make even the toughest tasks feel a bit easier.

The solid build of the Seguin (that's pronounced Seh-geen, by the way) starts with its full-sized 4.25” stainless steel handle. Its length, mixed with the ergonomic contours, lets you get a firm grasp for full control over your work. And unlike most knives that have metal handles, the Seguin enjoys an aggressive machine-etched texturing on the top, bottom, and sides of the blade that make this knife easy to grasp even when things get slippery. The business end of the knife is impressive as well, with a modified clip-point shape making the Seguin reminiscent of a pocket folding Bowie knife. Fitting, since the namesake of the Seguin was a hero of the Texas Revolution.

The 3.1” 8Cr13MoV blade has everything you need, from a solid point for piercing, a curved belly extending to the tip for slicing, and a straight edge for rope and other utility tasks. To match the stainless aesthetic of the handle, the blade is treated with a PVD coating, which also increases its hardiness against the corrosive elements. The large index flipper tab and SpeedSafe assist makes opening the blade an easy one-handed motion. There's added jimping on the index flipper for control that doubles as a finger guard in the open position. And because there's a frame lock in a handle, you can be certain the blade won't close up on you accidentally while you work.

Once you're done with the Kershaw Seguin, close it up and let it disappear into your pockets with the single-position deep-carry tip, a welcome addition to a pocketknife of this size. With how versatile it is, you'll appreciate the build quality as you'll find yourself using it again and again as part of your everyday carry. Pick one up at the link below.

When it comes to your everyday carry knife, you want something that can get things done, even if it means the dirty jobs. But don't let this knife's name fool you—the CRKT Slacker designed by Ken Onion is far from it. Based on a custom knife he made to be his personal EDC, the Slacker is a minimal design featuring CRKT's innovative Field Strip technology. It's one of the few easy-to-disassemble knives with an elegant, low-profile design without the bulk that other Field Strip knives tend to have. The end result is a highly-practical and functional knife that's well-suited to be your daily driver.

The smooth curves and organic lines of a Ken Onion design are visible everywhere you look with the Slacker. It starts with the slender 3.324” modified drop-point blade with an attractive satin finish with an 1.4116 stainless steel edge made to excel at everyday cutting and slicing tasks. The slight curve at the top of the blade makes it easier to manipulate in smaller spaces, and the jimping at the middle spine of the blade offers more control. And bringing the knife to bear when you need it is easy with its flipper opening, doubling as a finger guard at the bolster when deployed.

The handle is made of aerospace grade 6061 aluminum, helping keep the Slacker lightweight at 2.8 ounces. But unlike a lot of knives with metal handles, the Slacker has diamond texturing at the side to help your grip when things get wet and slippery. And the curved lines of the handle also let you get a full grip on the knife despite its compact size. The centerpiece of the design is the Field Strip mechanism in the pivot, which lets you fully disassemble the knife for maintenance, without any other tools necessary. It's good for routine fixes, but it really shines in the outdoors after taking on tough and dirty tasks. But whether you take the Slacker out to the field or in your pockets during your daily commute, it's ready to take on any challenge you meet while looking good to boot. Check it out at the link below.

With over a dozen successful product launches under their belt, StatGear doesn't need help when it comes to creating quality designs for your everyday carry. But they still recognize the value of feedback as a driving force for truly great design. Their latest project, the Ledge Pocket Knife, brings the same rugged materials and utilitarian design language of their past successes, but boasts a new set of features specifically requested by the EDC community. The result is a modern take on a classic slipjoint knife, complete with both practical and visual improvements to a traditional design that makes it worthy of any EDC today.

By popular request, the Ledge forgoes any locking mechanism and instead operates as a two-handed slipjoint like pocketknives of the past. It's an especially welcome decision for EDCers in locales with stricter knife laws, like in Canada or the UK. Of course, StatGear made a few tweaks to this classic design to make it more compelling in 2019. The Ledge is still a two-hand opening knife, but instead of a small nail nick, it features a full-length groove on the blade for easier deployment. The blade itself is made from hardy D2 tool steel as another upgrade from old school blades. It measures 2.5” long to give you just enough cutting edge to work with while staying compact and legal to carry in more places and features a flat ground, sheepsfoot blade shape for everyday versatility.

The handle also clearly stands out on this modernized slipjoint. Two-tone, dual-layered G10 handles afford a confident grip, light weight, and durability while the angular design gives it a futuristic look. While you'd typically need to EDC a slipjoint loose in your pocket or in a sheath, the Ledge features a reversible, tip-up, deep carry stainless steel pocket clip. It makes for a discreet and effortless EDC that's ready at a moment's notice. You can pledge for a Ledge in your choice of black, brown, or red at StatGear's fully funded campaign at the link below.

It’s no secret that keys are annoying to carry, and while your average carabiner gets the job done EDCers always keep a keen eye out for the perfect solution. With their new half-keychain half-multitool hybrid knife dubbed the Prylobite, Pangea Designs makes a strong case for why their new campaign should be on your radar. The Prylobite is the logical evolution of their popular Pickpocket suspension keychain clip, but this time it packs an even bigger punch.

Besides being a practical friction folder knife, the Prylobite offers a greay way to suspend your keys from a beltloop or pocket for easy retrieval and no more dreaded "pocket bulge." It puts a handy 1.7-inch S35VN steel blade with a gorgeous stonewashed finish right on your keychain. The suspension clip also doubles as a flipper tab, so one-handed deployment is a breeze. The clip flips up through the handle, resting perfectly under where you apply pressure with your thumb, which effectively holds the blade open while cutting. When not in use, the blade is mechanically locked closed via a micro carabiner attached through a well placed cutout in both the blade and handles. The integrated suspension clip alone makes the Prylobite unique in its function, but it has even more tools incorporated in its design.

A good knife is solid part of any multitool, but simply holding your keys hardly qualifies it as multi-functional. That's why the Prylobite also has a few more tools built into the hook's design, giving you a bottle opener, pry bar, ¼” wrench, and bit driver all in one discreet package that fits in the palm of your hand. These tools weren’t an afterthought either, the same attention to detail went into their design as well. For example, the bottle opener was made with a claw geometry to ensure a perfect opening on the first try and the pry bar was added to prevent people from being tempted by misuse that would otherwise lead to a broken knife tip. Rounding out its utilitarian design are scales made of G10, an excellent material for EDC given its durability, light weight, and grip.

While the Prylobite is a great tool for minimalists or those trying to slim down their carry, almost any EDCer can benefit from adding it to their pockets even if it's as a keychain backup to their primary carry. For a closer look at the Prylobite and all its features, check out Pangea Design's seventh fully funded Kickstarter campaign before it ends on Monday, February 25th.

Compared to EDC knives of today, a more traditional gent's knife take things slowly. It's a statement piece in your everyday carry with a considered design that often lets you carry it places where you couldn't otherwise. They usually don't fling open without second thought, instead demanding a deliberate mindfulness and purpose with every use. That especially analogue experience, combined with handsome timeless styling comes with the added benefit of not drawing as much negative attention as your typical tactical folder. Luckily, knifemakers recognize the value of the gent's knife and have reimagined these antique designs today, often with better materials and more modern features. In this guide, we'll show you five of our favorite picks from this category as we continue onward this year.

When it comes to carrying a classy everyday carry knife, a gent's knife exudes class without sacrificing the usefulness of carrying a blade in the first place. Not only do gent's knives look good, but they can also be carried in more formal occasions where a large, tactical knife would be out of place. However, because many of these knives look like something your grandfather would have carried decades ago, they also use outdated technology and materials that belong in that timeframe as well. Luckily modern knife manufacturers are putting their own design chops to work with relevant takes on the gentleman's knife, with the features and materials you've come to expect out of the rest of your high-performance everyday carry. Since these “modern gent's” knives are becoming so popular, finding the right one for your EDC can be daunting. To help you out, we've laid out 10 of our favorite recent modern gent's knife designs for you to consider in this round-up.

Over the past few years CRKT has really stepped up their game by putting out great EDC knives with unique designs and superior feature sets at a more affordable price point. A great example is the crowd favorite Squid—a compact folding knife designed by Lucas Burnley, boasting a stout blade and a solid frame lock. Despite its popularity, more discerning EDCers felt the cheaper 8Cr13MoV steel in the blade held it back from being a top contender for the best bang-for-your-buck blade. CRKT heard it all loud and clear and recently updated the Squid with premium D2 tool steel and a new, blacked out stonewash finish to match. If you haven't had a chance to see what the hype is about, now's the best time to add this little big knife to your rotation.

Compared to the original knife, the upgraded Squid D2 has a stronger, more robust steel that's achieves a higher hardness than 8Cr13MoV, leading to a sharper edge and better edge retention overall. It's also able to take more of a beating, making those hard-use tasks that come up every once in a while something you don't have to sweat about at all, especially with the reliable frame lock at the handle. Besides the steel this updated Squid keeps the stout drop-point blade shape that made the original a solid contender. At just 2.156” in length, it's small and pocketable while being more versatile for carry, especially in places with stricter blade length regulations. At the tip of the blade is a well-defined point for easy piercing, and the pronounced curve near the tip also lends to ease of use when it comes to delicate slicing tasks. With its large ambidextrous thumbstud, finding the blade and opening it quickly is easy. It's set up for right-handed tip-up carry, but it also has a lanyard hole at the pommel if you prefer carrying this small knife in that way.

With the new Squid D2, CRKT has taken a great everyday carry blade and made it even better by giving it the blade steel the original design deserved. If you sat on the original design because of the steel, now's the time to pick it up. And if this is your first EDC knife, it lets you get high quality steel in your hands at a manageable price point. Check out the CRKT Squid D2 now at the link below.

When it comes to the latest and greatest designs, tech, and materials, Case is a knife company that likes to take its time. Known best for their traditional slipjoint knives, their offerings hearken back to the era of our fathers and their fathers, when a knife was an invaluable companion. But that doesn’t mean that innovation is completely off the table. Case’s new Kickstart series shows the old dog can learn some new tricks, pairing legacy knife design with modern EDC features, materials, and performance. It has the signature, tried-and-true design born from over a hundred years of knifemaking experience made with more robust materials, one-handed usability, and sized perfectly for an everyday knife.From afar, the Kickstart looks every bit like the Case signature slipjoint. But that's where the resemblance ends. Rather than a simple set of clip-point or sheepsfoot blades deployed via a nail nick, the Kickstart instead employs a modern deployment mechanism by way of a one-handed, assisted-opening pair of dual thumbstuds. This lets you easily flip out its beautiful, mirror-polished Tru-Sharp surgical steel blade (sized right under 3” that's ideal for EDC), a special high-carbon steel with exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. The blade itself comes in a unique mid-folding hunter clip shape, with a stark, sweeping top edge that terminates in a strong point for piercing tasks, and a long, 2.875” belly for slicing.The Kickstart's handle comes in Black Canvas Laminate, a rugged blend of synthetic materials that's scratch-resistant and textured for an effective grip. It's impervious to the decay and damage that would normally come with a wood or bone handle, while allowing for expanded options of texture and color. On the front of the Kickstart is Case's bowtie logo, while on the back is a feature you don't often see on traditional knives—a clip—making this an even more compelling knife to carry.There's no need to choose between a traditional and modern knife—the Kickstart shows that the old school can still be the new cool. Pick up this made-in-the-USA modern classic at the Amazon link below.View on Amazon

The minimalist aesthetic of the CRKT Pilar made it one of the most sought-after everyday carry knives of the past year. It paired Jesper Voxnaes's clean design language with an incredibly useful cleaver-style blade that made it handy to have on hand in a pinch. This year, with a slight increase to its dimensions and a noted improvement to the design materials, it's ready to take on even bigger tasks than before. And from the looks of it, the CRKT Pilar Large D2 has the potential to outdo itself this year.

With this edition of the Pilar Large, the biggest departure from the original design is its black blade and blacked-out handle. The new knife has grippy G10 scaling on one side of the handle instead of smooth stainless steel. This makes the knife easier to hold when you're doing rougher work overall, and it works especially well when things get slippery. Interestingly enough, the G10 also makes this larger Pilar weigh less than the original, at 3.8 ounces instead of 4.2. For less weight, you get a slightly larger grip on the blade, a win-win situation if there ever was one. And in keeping with the more tactical black theme, the reverse side of the handle features black-oxide tinted stainless steel, and the same reliable frame lock featured on the earlier edition of the Pilar.

If the handle gives you more confidence in this edition of the knife, the upgraded D2 steel in the Pilar Large should do so even more. For one, it's a harder steel at 60-61 HRC, capable of handling more heavy-duty tasks before needing to be resharpened compared to the original Pilar blade. The blacked-out blade is also approximately 0.2 inches longer in length, bringing it up to 2.669” and giving you a slightly longer cutting edge than before. It also retains the utility-minded cleaver-style shape of the original, making it well-suited for everyday cutting and slicing tasks. A new addition of a flipper tab makes for quick, one handed operation but it still retains its large thumbhole as another deployment option.

If you missed out on the Pilar last year, or you sat on it because of its stainless handle and its cheaper steel, the new design might be for you. With the Pilar Large D2, CRKT has taken a crowd-favorite knife and made it even better, with premium materials and a fresh look about it. Make it a part of your EDC today at the link below.

While compact pocket knives are perfect for EDCing in your pocket, the tradeoff for their smaller size becomes clear when you're up against heavy duty tasks. That's not the case with the new Spyderco Techno 2, a stout workhorse knife with a rock-solid design made in collaboration with Polish custom knifemaker Marcin Slysz. The newest iteration of the Techno pairs premium materials with a more sturdy blade, resulting in a “little big knife” that's ready to take on cutting tasks both large and small.

The Techno 2 comes with a sheepsfoot blade, giving it a beefy profile that's perfect for repetitive utility tasks and hard use. The new blade shape makes better use of its compact 2.55” length compared to the original drop-point blade that featured in the older design. While the shape has changed, the blade itself still made out of a premium no-compromise CTS-XHP stainless steel ground with a high saber edge that makes cutting and slicing with the Techno 2 a breeze. Opening the blade is easy as well with Spyderco's signature thumbhole, allowing quick, ambidextrous one-handed openings even if you're wearing gloves.

When it's time to get to work, you'll appreciate the exotic makeup of the blade giving the Techno 2 the durability and edge retention that lets it compete with knives that are much larger in size. For added strength, the titanium handle contains a frame lock that keeps the blade in place with minimal movement during even the toughest of work. Once you're done, you can close the blade up and let it disappear into either of your front pockets with its reversible tip-up deep carry pocket clip. And at just 3.4 ounces in weight, it definitely won't weigh you down as you go through your day.

With the Techno 2, you get a dependable compact EDC knife with a premium design that sacrifices nothing to get you the performance you've come to expect in your daily carry. Check it out and pick one up for yourself at the link below.

"CRKT worked with Caswell Knives to create the Provoke, a modern take on the karambit knife. The Provoke’s kinematic opening mechanism pops the blade open when you press on its upper crossbar while your fingers are wrapped around..." (via TheAwesomer)

With the new year right around the corner, there's plenty of new gear in store for us to look forward to. But until then, now's a great time to look back on the gear that served us best through 2018. We polled our community in our exclusive Facebook group and asked what their favorite EDC gear was in the past year. In this quick round-up, we're starting with EDC knives. We've narrowed it down to the top three answers among the community — read on to see what your favorites were, and stay tuned for more gear to come in our Readers' Choice series.

From quick cuts to tough tasks, one of the best tools for the job is the humble liner-lock knife. You've probably seen enough of them as full-on tactical folders or as old-fashioned hunting knives. But for many EDCers, those designs don't quite fit in with their day-to-day lives and the rest of their essentials. That's why The James Brand designed the Folsom — their modern classic re-imagination of the tried-and-true liner-lock. Despite its stylish looks it's no shelf queen, pairing hardy materials with a simple yet effective design resulting in a knife that's ready to get to work, stay by your side for the long haul, and look good doing it. It's a capable companion for the adventurous EDCer who relies on their knife around town, out in the backcountry, and everywhere in between.

The Folsom comes as a more substantial knife, with a 3.4 oz weight, fuller proportions, and a balanced blend of clean lines and gentle curves for a comfortable, ergonomic grip. Its 4” closed length and slim G10 handles give plenty of control and durability you'd want in a workhorse knife while keeping weight and bulk down in the pocket. A large, triangular thumbhole allows for easy, ambidextrous one-hand deployment when it's time to get to work. Its 2.75” blade length makes it easier to carry both in the pocket and in locales with stricter knife laws, while its classic drop point shape maximizes cutting edge to make it cut like a larger knife. Featuring Carpenter CTS-BD1 steel for its edge retention, corrosion resistance and low maintenance, combined with a stainless steel liner lock, the Folsom was designed to truly be put through the paces.

Since the best knife is the one you have on you, the Folsom comes equipped with a beefy 416 stainless steel reversible pocket clip for easy, tip-up EDC. A contrasting lanyard hole towards the back end of the handle opens up more carry options as well. The Folsom's simple format lays the foundation for tons of customization options so you're sure to find a Folsom that fits your needs. You can go with G10 scales for performance and grip on par with modern blades, or opt for Micarta or Ebony Wood scales for that traditional look and organic feel in hand. The blade comes in stainless or PVD coated black, and in a classic straight edge or a versatile serrated combo edge as well. Whatever Folsom you choose, you can get it in your hands quickly with free 2-day shipping direct from The James Brand at the link below.

With decades of experience and iconic tools and products behind them, it would be a simple affair for Victorinox Swiss Army to rest on their laurels. But the thing about pioneers and trailblazers is, “stop” just isn't part of their vocabulary. So even with a catalog packed to the brim with the most tried and tested EDC gear, the brand still pushes the envelope to make even more essentials worth carrying. Below are three of the best new products from Victorinox Swiss Army, dressing up your EDC with gear designed to cut, clock in, and carry your way through the day.

Iconic gear often comes with a story, and the Kershaw Bareknuckle comes with a good one. Inspired by the original Zero Tolerance 0777, the Bareknuckle takes the original acclaimed design and gives it a sleeker, lightweight profile with excellent materials and a price that won't break the bank. It puts together the best parts of the 0777 and Kershaw's user-friendly features, giving you a made-in-the-USA knife with a storied past and solid performance to last.

Just like the original, the Bareknuckle's 3.5” blade is a beast. Made from Sandvik 14C28N, the steel was developed as a partnership between Kershaw and Sandvik to produce a high-performance, high-resistance steel that can be hardened to 58-60 Rockwell. This gives it a considerably longer edge longevity compared to most steels, which comes in handy as a blade designed for cutting with its long, sweeping belly in a modified, upswept sheepsfoot shape. Deployment comes from a manual flipper tab, utilizing Kershaw's KVT ball-bearing system and rotating on an eye-catching, oversized pivot.

The Bareknuckle's anodized aluminum handles sports its second key feature—Kershaw's Sub-Frame lock. One side of the handles is fitted with a steel plate integral to the frame that moves behind the blade to lock it into position during use. It allows for an extremely secure lock while maintaining a light weight; crucial for larger knives like the Bareknuckle so they don't weigh you down as an EDC blade. A reversible, deep-carry clip rounds out the knife's handles, ensuring ambidextrous carry and use for any cutting task.

The Bareknuckle carries with it a legendary history, but it's more than ready to carve out its own. Pick up Kershaw's new high-performance, made in the USA EDC knife at the link below.

Disclosure : Everyday Carry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

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